I am currently researching a network of species movement between temporary ponds using Least Cost Paths. With Conefor I have calculated the PCnum, EC(PC), and PC (probability of Connectivity, as in Saura & Pascual-Hortal, 2007) for the network situation in 1991 and again in 2020. I would like to compare the two with one another, and somehow the PC is higher in 2020 than in PCnum, despite there being less ponds in 2020. PCnum and EC(PC) are both higher for 1991. I am therefore wondering if I should focus on one of these or multiple of these metrics in my comparison, or if these metrics are at all even comparable in this way?
Secondly, I am creating a prioritization scheme based upon the change of PCnum and PC caused by restoring individual ponds. However, the two metrics result in different orders of priority for the destroyed ponds. I am wondering what would be the conditions for using one of them over the other, or what advantages one may have?
Thank you in advance for your help.
Hello Wayne,
When you calculated PCnum, did you get you get a very large value? PCnum is the numerator to estimate the integral index of connectivity (IIC). The denominator Al can be defined in several ways, for example the total area of the study area. You could also define as the total pond area. You may want to review what parameter you defined for Al and see if that had an effect on the results you obtained. I have found that IIC and PC will be between 0 and 1. I hope this information helps.
Best,
Humberto
You must just choose one metric and be confident with it :)
- Badges
- Science topic
- Similar topics
- Biological Science
- Bioecology
- Systems Ecology
- Landscape Ecology
- Connectivity